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30 best foundations for every skin type 2026, tried and tested
We've reviewed hundreds of formulas on the market to bring you the best of the best
Choosing the best foundation for you can be tricky. Because, let’s be real, there are literally thousands of formulas out there. So what may be considered ‘the best’ for you may not work for a friend. As we all have different skin tones, types and undertones which all need to be taken into consideration when finding your perfect match.
Then, to make matters even more confusing, each formula will perform very differently to the next. Some will have a matte finish while others will be dewy. Some offer glass-like, lightweight sheen barely enough to cover a pimple, and some provide full-coverage glam that’ll last from morning to night. There are also many types of foundation, including liquid, stick and compact. Frankly, the list goes on and on.
So, with that in mind, we're determined to make things easier by bringing you an edit of the very best foundations depending on the finish, price and coverage. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive or acne-prone skin, there’s a formula here with your name on it.
The best foundations for every skin type...
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Best long-lasting foundation
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation
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How to find the best foundation for your skin type
Choosing a foundation isn’t about picking up the first bottle you see — it’s about finding a formula that works with your skin. Your skin type will influence how a foundation sits, wears and looks throughout the day, which is why it’s important to understand what your complexion needs before you buy.
Finish: Once you’ve identified whether your skin is oily, dry or combination, the next step is choosing the right finish. Those with dry skin may prefer lightweight, hydrating and second-skin formulas, while those with oily skin often find matte or natural finishes help control shine and create a smoother base.
Ingredients: It’s also worth considering the ingredients. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin and squalane can help keep dry complexions feeling hydrated. Niacinamide and silica can help absorb excess oil and blur the appearance of pores on oily skin types, while niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are great options for combination skin, helping to balance hydration and shine.
After hours and hours of testing, we can safely say these are the best foundations in the UK (maybe even the world 🌍 ). Side note: if you prefer to take a lighter approach to your base, head over to our best tinted moisturiser edit next...
Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm
Vieve Skin Nova Complexion Balm
Pros
- It gives buildable coverage while still feeling lightweight to wear
- It lasts the day without fading
- It has a stunning, satin finish that looks healthy and natural
Cons
- It's a little expensive
Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer: I can’t think of a better everyday foundation than Vieve’s Complexion Balm. I’ve been reaching for it each morning as it leaves my skin radiant, unified and with just the perfect amount of coverage for day-to-day wear.
This strikes the perfect amount of balance between makeup and skincare. It feels like a hydrating skin tint, but gives you enough coverage to create a smooth and unified complexion. One I’d recommend to friends.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | If you’re familiar with Vieve’s Skin Nova, this is it in foundation form. It lends a satin, radiant finish – without ever looking shiny – and gives the look of really healthy skin. It’s not matte nor overly dewy, just a beautiful, natural middle ground. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | The brand describes it as medium-buildable which I would agree with. One layer is enough to even out redness and blur a pimple, or build up the coverage for a truly flawless result. |
| Shade range: | 20 |
| Lasting power: | What I love about this product is while it’s labelled as a balm – i.e., it feels so lightweight and hydrating to wear – it has the lasting power of a high-coverage foundation. Throughout a whole day of wear, it doesn’t fade or lose its coverage. And as a girlie with combination skin, it keeps my complexion looking radiant and not oily. |
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation
Anastasia Beverly Hills Impeccable Blurring Second Skin Matte Foundation
Pros
- It has a matte yet radiant finish (yes that's a thing!)
- It lasts a long, *long* time
- It works across all skin types, thanks to it being water-based and non-comedogenic
Cons
- The texture is very thick, which some may not like
Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer: Usually I'm not a full-coverage kinda gal, but when it comes to this Anastasia Beverly Hills foundation, load me up please! Yes it may be £39, but let me tell you, the stunning finish and long-lasting wear time is worth every single penny.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | OK, it's billed as matte (which I initially wasn't keen on the sound of that) but it still lends a natural and radiant finish that makes your skin look like skin, only smoother. Imagine if one of those unachievable Insta filters came in a bottle – this is it. |
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| Coverage: | We're talking high coverage people, but don't let that scare you. Yes it does a *sensational* job at blurring any pimple or blotchy area, but it never feels thick nor cakey – as many high coverage formulas tend to do. |
| Shade range: | 25 shades, ranging from deep to fair |
| Lasting power: | This stuff lasts and I've tested it at a concert, a long day at the office and an evening about tooown. The coverage remains and it keeps my skin looking fresh all day long. |
Revolution Beauty Superfix Longwear Blurring Foundation
Revolution Beauty Superfix Longwear Blurring Foundation
Pros
- It comes in an impressive range of shades
- It’s affordable
- It softly blurs while still giving your complexion a healthy glow
- Offers buildable coverage
Cons
- It can settle into fine lines if you don’t prep your skin properly
Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer: I’ll be real with you: the sound of a matte foundation never used to appeal to me. I’d conjure visions of a dry, crusty complexion – and no one wants that! Lately, I’ve tested many new-gen matte formulas and have been surprisingly pleased with the results, one of which being Revolution’s Superfix Foundation. And here’s why...
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | The brand describes it as soft-matte, and I couldn’t agree more. It does an impressive job at gently blurring my complexion, smoothing the appearance of pores and covering any blemishes. But the real win is that it doesn’t make my skin look flat, which many matte formulas fall guilty of. It blurs but still ensures a healthy, fresh finish. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | It’s billed as full-coverage though it’s very buildable, so you use it to create a lighter wash of coverage if you wish. For light coverage, use the installed wand applicator (genius, btw) and sweep a thin layer over your skin before tapping in with a sponge. For full coverage, use a dense brush and buff into your skin. |
| Shade range: | 40 – impressive |
| Lasting power: | This lasted a full 10 hour day (including a trip to a sweaty pub) without budging. I also locked it in place with the Superfix Setting Spray. |
Sculpted by Aimee Second Skin Dewy Finish Foundation
Sculpted by Aimee Second Skin Dewy Finish Foundation
Pros
- It lives up to its name, giving a dewy, radiant finish
- If you have oily skin, it also comes in a matte version
Cons
- The texture is quite thick, just something to keep in mind
Laura Capon, freelance Beauty Editor: A Cosmo Summer Beauty awards winner and the one product I will not stop trying to convert people to. Just as the name suggests, it offers that second-skin, lightweight coverage that looks as though it could be your natural complexion, only glowier. Please just try it!
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | Like the name suggests, light to medium with a radiant finish. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | I would say this provides a light to medium coverage. |
| Shade range: | 30 shades. |
| Lasting power: | As this is a radiant foundation, you will need a powder touch-up come the afternoon. If you are oily skinned and produce your own glow it also comes in a matte version. |
Woke Up Like This Foundation
Pros
- It has a soft-focus, pore-blurring finish that still looks natural
- It blends easily into the skin
- The quiz finder *actually* works
Cons
- Some may find the texture too thick
Victoria Jowett, freelance Beauty Editor: The internet is all hyped up over the Il Makiage foundation, and it's easy to see why. It's hard to find a foundation that 'does it all', but this really is a crowd-pleaser. No wonder it has over 600K positive reviews.
You can read our full review here.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | The satin finish looks like just skin (but better), and the slight blurring effect gives a smoother finish that minimises pores, lines and texture. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | Medium, but super-buildable if you want to dial up the coverage. Oh, and zero cakiness. |
| Shade range: | There are 50 shades to choose from - and the online shade matcher is surprisingly accurate. |
| Lasting power: | The longwear formula rivals all our other faves when it comes to staying power. |
Sculpted by Aimee Cream Cushion Foundation
Sculpted by Aimee Cream Cushion Foundation
Pros
- The innovative mesh design dispenses the perfect amount of product
- It is super buildable, delivering a light layer of coverage or a full-glam look
- I am obsessed with the second-skin finish
Cons
- Initially you may be put off by the layer of oil sitting on the top of the compact, however this dissolves as you push your brush into the formula
Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer: I haven’t been this excited by a new foundation launch in months. Sculpted by Aimee’s Cream Cushion foundation is unlike anything I’ve seen before. Inspired by K-Beauty innovation, the formula is held within a mesh casing which dispenses the perfect amount of product as you press down on the compact.
From the innovative packaging, to the hydrating ingredients (hi, niacinamide and glycerin) to the buildable second-skin finish, I love everything about this foundation – and so does Millie Bobby Brown, btw.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | For me, this is the perfect day-to-day result. It layers on a very silky real-skin like finish that’s not matte nor overly dewy – just a stunning in-between. |
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| Coverage: | This is one of the most buildable foundations I’ve come across. One layer gently diffuses redness and pigmentation, or it can easily be doubled up to provide a full-coverage finish. |
| Shade range: | There are 30 shades in a range of undertones |
| Lasting power: | My base looks just as beautiful at 9:00 a.m as it does by 9:00 p.m. In fact, I feel sad to take my makeup off at the end of the day – and that’s a rarity from me! |
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Foundation
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Foundation
Pros
- It offers full coverage without feeling heavy on the skin
- It's matte but still gives a radiant, healthy finish
Cons
- Those with dry skin may want something a little more lightweight
Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer: Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Foundation was the first foundation I purchased outside of the high street. So when I found out that it was being reformulated with a new-and-improved formula (and I really mean that!) as well as extended shades, I was excited to say the least.
It offers everything I look for, from a natural finish to long-lasting coverage, and a little amount goes a long way so the bottle will last.
You can read our full review here.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | It’s described by the brand as matte not flat, and I’d fully agree. It dries down matte with a blurring effect, but still lends the skin a touch of radiance while keeping major shine at bay. If you're after that second-skin vibe, this one’s for you. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | Full coverage – but it’s a very flexible formula so you can apply one layer for a slightly lighter look, or pack it on if you prefer full-coverage glam. Either way, pores will be blurred and spots concealed. |
| Shade range: | There are 44 shades |
| Lasting power: | This formula is sweat-, humidity- and water-proof, plus it's transfer-resistant so feel free to wear that fresh white tee or snuggle up to your partner at the end of this day. This bb ain’t going nowhere! |
Sweed Glass Skin Foundation
Sweed Glass Skin Foundation
Pros
- Provides a beautiful glass-like skin effect
- Can easily be layered
- It lasts the whole day without fading
Cons
- Sometimes it can feel a little drying
Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty E-Commerce Writer: I have fallen deeply in love with this foundation. Since using it every day for the past two months, I can’t count the number of compliments I have received. It’s buildable, breathable, provides a stunning finish and lasts all day without fading. So if you too want people telling you how flawless and radiant your skin looks, this is the foundation for you.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | It’s radiant leaving a flawless, second-skin like finish to die for! |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | Is incredibly buildable. One layer is enough to unify your skin tone and areas of pigmentation, while two-three layers will provide more full-coverage glam. |
| Shade range: | 15 shades available. |
| Lasting power: | Before applying the Sweed Glass Skin Foundation, I use a grippy primer and then set with a loose powder. This alone is enough to keep this bb on all day without blotching or fading. |
L'Oreal Paris True Match Foundation
L'Oreal Paris True Match Foundation
Pros
- It lends a stunning, satin finish with enough coverage to cover a spot or knock back redness
- It's affordable on the budget
- It feels light and hydrating to wear
Cons
- Be warned, the pump can be very messy
Clare Stephenson, Beauty E-Commerce Writer: L'Oreal's True Match was my first must-have foundation, and it still holds as much pride of place in my makeup collection as it did 10-odd years ago. I don’t think you can go wrong with this formula – and for the pocket-friendly cost of £11.99, how can you say no?
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | IMO, this satin finish is everything. It seamlessly smooths out texture, pigmentation and uneven tone but does so in a natural and skin-dewiness way. Plus, you can build up the layers without it appearing cakey. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | For me, this formula is the perfect middle ground. One layer gives more of a tinted moisturiser vibe to fade pigmentation and blur redness, but layering up will also offer a bit more oomph to cover that pesky pimple. |
| Shade range: | There are 48 shades total available. 25 on LookFantastic. |
| Lasting power: | This is one to lean on if the dance floor is calling your name – but don't be afraid to dab a little powder on your shine zones to ensure it sticks about all day. |
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Armani Luminous Silk Foundation
Pros
- It's buildable and offers weightless coverage
- The finish is stunning; satin but very natural
- You can layer it without it pilling
Cons
- It's nearly £50
Victoria Jowett, freelance Beauty Editor: Feel like your foundation can get a bit blotchy? To avoid this issue, invest in a formula that blends flawlessly into the skin. Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation is the perfect option for makeup minimalists that want a flawless application without any cakey-ness.
Earlier this year, fans were shocked to discover that the long-loved foundation was being reformulated. Everyone questioned: ‘why change something that’s already so good?’
Well, after trying the new formula, I can see why. It now features a ‘liquid silk’ technology that keeps the formula on for longer, while leaving a smooth, velvety effect. Armani has also extended the shade range, has included more hydrating ingredients (hi, niacinamde and glycerin) and changed the bottle from frosted glass to clear.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | Satin, with a slight glow. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | Medium-to-full coverage, whilst still being light and non-cakey. |
| Shade range: | 44 shades in total |
| Lasting power: | All day long |
Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Reset Serum Foundation
Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Reset Serum Foundation
Pros
- It feels very hydrating and blends seamlessly into the skin
- It has a natural, satin finish that evens out your skin tone
Cons
- It has a limited shade range
Keeks Reid, Beauty Director: As someone that tends to go full beat or nothing, I didn't think a serum foundation would appeal to me but this one changed my mind. Skincare wise, it contains niacinimide and bisabolol two of the buzziest skin ingredients that help with brightening and soothing the complexion. The finish of the foundation evens out skin tone rather than masking 'imperfections'.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | A satiny, skin-like finish. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | Light |
| Shade range: | There are 9 shades but the serum texture does allow a bit of stretch across skin tone and the shades are evenly split between light, medium and dark. |
| Lasting power: | Despite the light texture, it lasts pretty much all day and when shine started to break through a quick dapple with a bit of powder through my T-zone reset the foundation perfectly. |
Benefit The Porefessional Smoothing & Blurring Matte Foundation
Benefit The Porefessional Smoothing & Blurring Matte Foundation
Pros
- It smooths, blurs and lasts all day
- It contains niacinamide to regulate oil production and glycerin to keep your skin hydrated
- You only need a small pump to achieve a full face of coverage
Cons
- Those with dry skin may find it too mattifying
Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty E-commerce Writer: If you’re looking for a medium-coverage foundation with a matte, flawless finish (read: pores who?), Benefit’s POREfessional foundation has your name all over it. It’s a Cosmo Beauty Team fave for a reason. Flawless, smooth skin is guaranteed. Just check out our full review here.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | The finish is completely matte, but not flat. It does a stellar job at reducing shine but still makes my complexion look smooth and natural. Oh – and pores are completely blurred. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | The brand describes the coverage as medium, and I’d have to agree. With one layer it has enough oomph to cover redness, pimples and discolouration but it easily builds up to provide a full-coverage finish. |
| Shade range: | 40 |
| Lasting power: | I’d trust this foundation to last me through any important event. I’m thinking wedding day (hint, hint). If you have mega-oily skin, you may notice your T-zone turn a tad shiny later on in the day, but nothing that a dab of powder can’t fix. Otherwise, this bb remains put and looking gorgeous. |
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation SPF 10
Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation SPF 10
Pros
- It has an epic shade selection
- It offers full coverage, but one layer will give a lighter look
- It's the perfect natural finish, not too dewy nor matte
Cons
- It doesn't come with a pump
Victoria Jowett, freelance Beauty Editor: If you want a perfect finish, fast, you need a foundation that offers more coverage and this is it. The Estée Lauder formula smooths over everything from acne to redness.
I wore this foundation for my sister's wedding - when I knew I needed a base that would stick around all day (and night), luckily this one did not disappoint. It gave excellent coverage (without looking cakey), and the lasting power was second to none.
Now, here’s the important news: if you’re a loyal stan of this formula, you notice it is slightly different the next time you re-purchase, as Estée Lauder has reformulated Double Wear. Yep, mic drop.
The renewed version keeps all the long-lasting benefits, but features more skin care ingredients and a breathable polymer system to allow the foundation to move better with the skin. The pigment system has also been updated so the colour doesn’t shift throughout the day.
Note: Cosmo’s Beauty Writer, Lia Mappoura, got to test the new formulation before anyone else – hence the tiny vial sample in the photo.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | A classic satin finish, not too matte, not too dewy. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | Full, but apply it with a makeup sponge and you can sheer it out a little. |
| Shade range: | 60 shades on the Estée Lauder website. |
| Lating power: | Sick of your foundation melting off by 3 o'clock? Yep, so was I. I found this formula stays in place for up to 12 hours, so go ahead and plough through your day without having to touch-up. |
Huda Beauty Easy Blur Foundation
Huda Beauty Easy Blur Foundation
Pros
- Pores? We don't know her!
- It offers full, matte coverage while still giving a skin-like finish
- It lasts the day and it won't turn cakey
Cons
- Just pls give us a jumbo size bottle!
Clare Stephenson, Beauty E-Commerce Writer: TBH, I've always followed the "clean girl" makeup vibe – but recently I've been after a little more coverage. And who better to rely on than Huda Beauty, the brand that's all about airbrushed finishes. You bet I was SO excited to give this blurring foundation a go!
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | The Easy Blur foundation is Huda's version of a minimalist makeup aesthetic. The finish isn't entirely matte like its #FauxFilter formula: it offers a more natural and blurred result (buh-BYE pores) while still giving the complexion a dewy sheen. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | Sensational. One thin layer is enough to smooth my acne-picking scars – yes, don't come for me – and even out my complexion without turning cakey, or looking like I'm covered in makeup. |
| Shade range: | There are 38 shades available on the Sephora website, across a range of undertones. |
| Lasting power: | This BB sticks around longer than the unknown user stalking your Insta stories. It has lasted many sweaty scenarios, including my dreaded SULAs, and still looks fresh after a full day in the office or cutting shapes on the dance floor. |
MAC Studio Fix Fluid
Pros
- 71 shades to choose from? Go on MAC!
- It has buildable coverage without looking cakey
- This stuff lasts all day and night
Cons
- If you're after a dewy finish, this one isn't for you
Elena Chabo, freelance Beauty Writer: The OG Studio Fix was my first ever proper foundation, and MAC the first brand to cater to my skin tone in my all-white area. So despite me straying firmly to lighter dewy coverage over the years, I was so excited to try this new reformulated version. It now features 87% skincare ingredients to make it feel better on the skin with a boost of hydration.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | The soft-matte finish has won me over, despite my general avoidance of matte products. It doesn't look the slightest bit dull or powdery and keeps skin looking like skin. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | It's described as lightweight coverage, and while it is light on the skin, I would consider it more of a medium coverage and buildable too. You can for sure blend it out for a lighter look. |
| Shade range: | There are an incredible 71 shades to choose from (on the MAC website) across thoughtful and carefully developed real-world undertones and depths. |
| Lasting power: | This puts in a shift and will see you through the day. |
Maybelline Super Stay up to 30H Lumi-Matte Foundation
Maybelline Super Stay up to 30H Lumi-Matte Foundation
Pros
- It minimises shine while keeping a radiant sheen
- It's affordable
- It doesn’t dry out or turn cakey over time
Cons
- You’ll need a dab of powder to keep certain (more oily) zones set in place
Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer: I’m speaking to all my oily girlies out there. Maybelline’s Super Stay Lumi-Matte Foundation is the budget oily-skin-friendly foundation to know. It offers everything anyone needs in an oily-skin foundation, and you can achieve smooth, healthy-looking skin without breaking the bank.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | This is the kind of finish I’d reach for daily. Named lumi-matte it delivers a lit-from-within glow to my complexion but still smooths the appearance of pores to give a softly blurred result. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | This offers the perfect amount of coverage for when your pores are in overdrive (hi, medium-full). Thanks to its lightweight texture, you can use a damp beauty sponge to keep the coverage softer or layer it up for a full-coverage look without it turning cakey. |
| Shades: | 22 shades |
| Lasting Power: | I’ll hold my hands up, I haven’t tested the 30 hour wear claim, but I can confirm it lasted an entire working day without fading. |
TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion Foundation
Pros
- Delivers long-lasting, full coverage without feeling cakey
- It's lightweight and comfortable to wear
- The sponge makes application easy
Cons
- The sponge can make it tricky to cover hard-to-reach areas like under the eyes
Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer: If you have oily skin but still want beautiful coverage that doesn’t slide off by midday, listen up. It’s giving IRL filter vibes but in the most natural way.
Key Specification:
| Finish: | ... is absolutely beautiful. What I love about this foundation is it’s classified as semi-matte, so it’s great for oily skin types but doesn’t make my complexion look as flat as a pancake. It’s a little radiant, but very natural. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | Full coverage but without feeling thick or cakey. |
| Shade range: | 39 shades available on the Look Fantastic website. |
| Lasting power: | If you often find your makeup melting off by EOD, you’ll greatly benefit from buying the TirTir foundation. Prep with a sticky primer and set with a setting spray, and this bby won’t budge all day. |
ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick
Pros
- It gives a matte finish without feeling heavy or cakey
- The stick makes application a breeze
- It's available in 42 shades
Cons
- If you have dry skin, be sure to prep with a hydrating primer to prevent it clinging to dry patches
Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer: While foundation sticks may seem like a thing of the past (hi, hello, liquid EVERYTHING), Ilia's Rewind Complexion Stick is anything but dated.
Though not many of us left in the revolution that is glowing, glass, glazed doughnut skin, we matte-loving girlies are often pigeon-holed into using full-coverage foundations – I mean, not many skin tints hail a shine-free finish. However, this product allows us to maintain a set base without that heavy skin feeling.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is that this is the ultimate everyday foundation for those with an oilier skin type! It hasn't left my makeup bag since the first use, which speaks for itself, IMO.
Key Specification:
| Finish: | It’s definitely the most matte option from the brand's complexion range but the ceramide-peptide make up means it still nourishes the skin without feeling greasy – a natural, hydrated matte, if you will. Aka, it's an oily-combo girly's dream. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | This formula blends in one swipe and can be built up from a medium to full coverage look. Upon application, your pores will appear non-existent. Blurring at its best. |
| Shade range: | The complexion stick is available in an incredible range of 42 light, medium and deep shades. |
| Lasting power: | Ilia claims that their complexion stick will ensure your canvas is intact for up to 12 hours and that, I can certainly vouch, having trialled it with many a night out. |
Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir Foundation
Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir Foundation
Pros
- It blurs pores and gives medium coverage without feeling cakey
- It lasts the day without drying or turning patchy
- It has a very fluid texture that feels lightweight and breathable on the skin
Cons
- It can be tricky to find all the shades available online – this stuff is popular!
Clare Stephenson, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer: I got my hands on this bby after seeing everyone rave about it on TikTok and, after testing it myself, I can confirm that the hype is real. It's the perfect skin tint for anyone looking for a little more coverage but with a weightless feel. King Kylie does it again.
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | Being labelled as a skin tint-foundation hybrid, I expected the finish to sit on the dewy side but was surprised to see that it has a very natural, skin-like finish. I’d even say it’s semi-matte as it blurs pores but still gives my complexion a healthy glow. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | The coverage is light but it can be easily built up to medium. |
| Shade range: | There are 25 shades altogether but availability varies depending on where you're shopping. |
| Lasting Power: | The lasting power ~ slayed ~ as it lasted an entire 9-5 working day (including a sweaty commute) without drying out or turning patchy. I had to blot in my usual oily zones, but nothing that powder can’t fix. |
Clarins Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation
Clarins Skin Illusion Full Coverage Foundation
Pros
- It's full coverage but still appears radiant and natural
- It lives up to its 8-hour claims
- Despite it being a full-coverage foundation, it doesn't turn cakey or pill
Cons
- You'll be bombarded with compliments
Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer: Admittedly, when this foundation launch landed on my desk, I almost immediately ruled it out. Clarins? For a 25-year-old? I think not... said the ignorant Gen Z. However, after seeing the results of my first 8-hour wear, I fell in love and came to the realisation that the brand isn't just for mature skin.
I have oily skin to rival that of a refinery, yet this foundation keeps the slick at bay. Usually, after a long day of wear, my foundations tend to look a little worse for wear, but not this formula. Not a speck of separation in sight!
Key Specifications:
| Finish: | Luminous matte – perfect for those with a more oily complexion looking for a polished, 'your skin but better' look. |
|---|---|
| Coverage: | Although a full-coverage foundation, the lightweight, water-based formula had me eating my words at first swipe. It's not at all heavy on the skin and contrary to a lot of full-coverage formulas, doesn't cake up after hours of wear. Acne marks, hyperpigmentation, redness where?! |
| Shade range: | 36 shades. |
| Lasting power: | Clarins claims that two pumps of the foundation will last up to 12 hours on the skin and I can certainly vouch. I wore it throughout a busy day and it held up super well on my oily skin. I only needed to lightly blot on and around my T-Zone a few hours in. |
Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old. She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.
What we're shopping: Zara's on-trend check jacket
Short sleeve cardigans are late-summer’s on-trend top
Beauty advent calendars already launching for 2026
Check shirts are late summer's most stylish layer
